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On Saturday, August 4, 2012, me and my partner Luis Paredes hosted an “Intimate Affair” Launch Party and SS13 Lingerie Fashion Show to celebrate our partnership and the launch of our latest endeavor, The Lingerie Alliance.

The Event, which attracted over 300 industry professionals and other guests, was held at Griffin lounge and nightclub in the exclusive meatpacking district in Manhattan. The “Intimate Affair” was sponsored by leading lingerie lines Affinitas & Parfait and took place on the eve of the bi-annual Lingerie Market Week in NYC, which draws designers, brands, retailers, buyers, media and press from around the World.

The Lingerie Alliance will be an exclusive, members-only platform utilizing the latest technology to create a collaborative community experience. The site will feature a searchable directory of members (by area of expertise,) as well as interactive LIVE forums and chat sessions with industry experts as well as offline workshops, panel discussions and seminars. In addition, The Lingerie Alliance will host networking socials and other special events throughout the year (Intimate Affairs.)

“The goal is to have all functionality fully live by Spring 2013,” says co-founder Luis Paredes. All of the site’s features will be rolled out throughout the coming months. Regarding the event, Luis stated, “We were thrilled with the turn out, the runway show was spectacular, and the Griffin was the perfect choice for this type of event. All of the lingerie featured was sexy, fresh and fun and the independent designers are extremely talented. We are passionate about showcasing independent brands so that they can gain well-deserved exposure. Most importantly, since launching The Lingerie Alliance, we have received tremendous feedback from the lingerie community.”

It’s that time of the year…. Too much lingerie; not enough time to do all of the things I want to do! From trade shows to press previews, market week kick-off parties, fashion shows, seminars, conferences and other events…. There’s no rest for the weary!

On Wednesday, August 1, 2012, The Intimate Apparel Council hosted an Intimate Affair at the Union League Club in NYC. Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst of The NPD Group, presented “50 Shades of Intimates.” He discussed retail trends and the “consumerology” impacting our industry in particular. Marshal provided invaluable intimate insight such as current “distractions” that are affecting consumer spending and he emphasized the importance of value and innovation.

On Thursday, August 2nd, I had the privilege of attending a Press Preview Event where I was introduced to the EMPOWERED BY YOU (“EBY”) panty. The high-tech panty incorporates a patented silicone “flocking” technology and side-seam fusion technique to prevent slippage, impart smoothness and ensure steady wear. A cause-brand initiative, $1 from the sale of every EBY panty will fund Seven Bar Foundation, a non-profit organization that extends its trademark “ladder” to women out of poverty and into business through microfinance. Each panty includes an insert with a testimonial from a woman who has been empowered by the Foundation, which works closely with both international and local partners such as Project Enterprise which benefits women in the New York City area. Project Enterprise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and develop entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities in New York City. The Seven Bar Foundation lends women a “hand up”, not a “hand out” by giving them a “first break”.

Luis Paredes and Moira Nelson

The Lingerie Alliance Launch Party and Lingerie Fashion Show held on Saturday, August 4th at The Griffin lounge in NYC was a huge success. The Intimate Affair introduced industry leaders, buyers, media and press to the online collaborative community of intimate apparel professionals created by me and my partner, Luis Paredes. We are so pleased with the way things turned out and are motivated by the enthusiasm and support we have received from the industry. The Fashion Show featured the SS13 collections from the event’s key sponsor, Affinitas & Parfait, as well as the imaginative designs of independent brands Angela Friedman, Clare Bare Eco Intimates, Dirty Dolls Lingerie, Nevaeh Intimates, Ombrato and With Love Lingerie. Buyers that missed the Intimate Affair on Saturday night can still get a look at the six emerging brands at the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase today, August 8th at the AKA Hotel, Times Square, NYC. The Showcase gives buyers that are looking for innovative, new collections the opportunity to meet one-on-one with these indie designers in a relaxed setting.

The Best of Intima’s Best Shop Awards were held in the Penthouse at 230 Fifth Ave on Sunday, August 5th. Last year’s winner of the Best of Intima’s Choice Award, Angela Courtney of Sweetest Sin Boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey, was an honored guest at this year’s awards ceremony. She said, “It was a great night in Lingerie-land. It was such an accomplishment for me to win last year’s Best Shop Award and reliving the night with the industry’s crème de la crème again this year was incredible. I mingled with other boutique owners and CEO’s of the biggest lingerie brands. Plus the venue was fabulous…a rooftop lounge overlooking the empire state building. I’m truly looking forward to next year.”

The 2012 Best of Intima Best Shop Awards were presented to:

Concept Store: Knickers of Hyde Park

European Flair: Forty Winks

Personal Touch: Toujours

Reference Shop: Sara’s Lingerie

The Best of Intima’s Choice: Le Boudoir, Inc.

And Special Recognition Prizes were awarded to:

Best Unexpected Location: Bella Fine Lingerie

Best Niche Product: Kaori’s Closet Tokyo

CONGRATS to the 2012 Best Shop Award Nominees and Winners!

On Monday evening, CURVENY presented The So Curve Fashion Show. From ballet to burlesque… From a Gotye remix to a touch of the Material Girl…and intervals topless…. The So Curve Fashion Show performed by the renowned Crazy Horse Paris dancers at CurvExpo was a spectacular performance. The dancers wore selected styles from exhibitors at CurvExpo including Affinitas, Fantasie, Fauve and Freya, Hanky Panky, LOU Paris, Simone Perele and Wacoal, among others.

The bi-annual Lingerie Trade Show CURVENY just wrapped up and now they’re headed to Las Vegas. CURVELV runs from August 21st through the 23rd at The Venetian. Guests can register at www.curvexpo.com.

Last night, the Underfashion Club hosted “A Paris Report” which was presented by Mayouri Sengchanh of Carlin International. The Intimate Affair featured a report on the MODE City and Interfiliere Trade Shows as well as highlights of the coming SS14 Season.

And tonight, the gals from ILOVEAGOOD are hosting Chantelle’s Fall/Winter 2012 Collection Preview. The Intimate Affair is being held at the brand’s NY Showroom on Madison Ave and will include cocktails, professional bra fittings and gift bags! Oooo La La!

What’s next? Anyone planning a Fashion’s Night Out Event? Let us know so we can spread the word here on Bra La Mode!

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

The Lingerie Designer Showcase, a New York based lingerie trade show of independent designers and brands for buyers looking for innovative, new collections returns August 5th – 8th at the luxurious AKA Hotel in New York City near Times Square.

The show promotes a collective environment where brands work together to help each other achieve their goals by sharing their industry knowledge and experience. At the same time, the showcase gives buyers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with designers in a relaxed setting.

At this edition of the Showcase, buyers can meet and discover independent lingerie designers such as Carrie Russel of With Love Lingerie; Melissa Franchi of Nevaeh Intimates; Angela Friedman with her vintage-inspired Versailles Collection of intimates and corsets; Clare Herron of Clare Bare Lingerie; Masako Shirokawa of Ombrato Lingerie and Sleepwear; and the design team of Erica Paul and Courtney Newman of Dirty Dolls Lingerie.

In addition to the Showcase, there will be a lingerie fashion show and networking event on Saturday, August 4th. “Our last event sold out within 24 hours and was standing room only,” said Luis Paredes, publisher of the Lingerie Journal.

Angela Friedman
Angela Friedman is a New York based lingerie designer specializing in corsets and silk intimates. Her new Versailles Collection is a vintage-inspired lingerie line, featuring intricate Baroque detailing and a delicate, muted color palette. This line emphasizes beauty and indulgence, and its hourglass silhouettes and draped silks are designed to make women feel as alluring as they look. The line features steel-boned corsets, bias-cut slips and robes, and lace bra and panty sets. Each fabric is selected for its luxury appeal: European silks, metallic brocades, French lace, frothy ruffles, and hand embroidery add to the luscious, decadent, and feminine feel of the collection. The line philosophy is to maintain the integrity of historical fashion, but blend it with a contemporary aesthetic. This collection offers women the opportunity to access the fairytale romance of the past, while presenting a style that reflects their everyday modern lives. The Versailles Collection empowers women to feel stronger and more confident in their own skin, all while indulging themselves in the soft, delicate intimates that they deserve! Angela Friedman’s lingerie is designed and manufactured by hand in the heart of New York City’s garment district. Make an appointment: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/angela-friedman/

Clare Bare Lingerie
Clare Bare is a Brooklyn based designer specializing in fashion forward eco-friendly lingerie made from organic cotton, bamboo jersey, and vintage fabric. Clare creates garments that are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware, and each piece is as comfortable as it is sexy. All of her pieces are made in house with the assistance of local creatives, using sustainable practices and natural and handmade dyes. The designs range everywhere in between fashion and function, and offer something for everyone. Soft cup bralettes, bodysuits, panties, and garter belts are created with a modern take on vintage styling. Make an appointment: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/clare-bare-lingerie/

Dirty Dolls Lingerie
Inspired by the vintage under-things worn by the starlets of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Dirty Dolls Lingerie is bringing glamour back into the everyday. Dirty Dolls Lingerie was founded in November of 2008 by Courtney Leigh Newman and Erica Rosalind Paul, two veteran fashion designers known to their loyal customers simply as “The Dolls.” The company’s core mission is to provide gorgeous, perfectly fitted brassieres, panties, and shapers to women who wear hard-to-find sizes. The Dolls themselves are among the millions of ladies who’ve long been frustrated by the absence of great brassieres available to those blessed with sexy curves. After years of being forced to buy dull bras simply because they had beautiful bosoms, The Dolls decided to take matters into their own hands. Make an appointment: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/dirty-dolls-lingerie/

Nevaeh Intimates
Decadence is key. Nevaeh Intimates, by Melissa Franchi and created in New York City, exudes femininity and empowers the modern day sophisticated women with a new luxurious lingerie collection. Fever and Thoughts is a timeless collection that fulfills all needs and desires: long-line, non-wire, full coverage bras, bikinis, high waisted briefs, hipsters, thongs, chemise, and garters. The pieces are designed using exquisite details, such as galloon lace inserts, luxurious stretch silk charmeuse, and hand-sewn vintage gold beading. Pieces are adjustable and removable to ensure comfort and support. Make an appointment: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/nevaeh-intimates/

Ombrato Lingerie and Sleepwear
Ombrato means “take it easy” in a Japanese dialect. As the name suggests, Ombrato creates simple, elegant and comfortable sleep and lounge wear using high quality materials. Inspired by clean and understated elements of Japanese aesthetics, the design is streamlined yet gives women a sense of femininity and being special. The borderline between inner wear and outer wear is increasingly blurred and Ombrato aims to offer pieces that can effortlessly travel both worlds. Ombrato is based in New York City and all the garments are manufactured locally. For Spring/Summer 2013, Ombrato introduces lounge wear using Liberty of London seasonal collection. Stripes in muted colors and nature inspired patterns are truly unique and a slip dress and camisole can easily be worn outside. There are also pieces using lace fabric and English stretch net as well as silk charmeuse and chiffon. Make an appointment: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/ombrato-lingerie-and-sleepwear/

With Love Lingerie
With Love Lingerie is about evoking glamour and intimacy through underpinnings that are made and worn with love. With Love founder and head designer, Carrie Russell, muses, “women can feel guilty when they indulge in a box of chocolates or a bottle or their favorite Merlot, but the right lingerie should make them feel like a million dollars.”
Russell draws much of her inspiration from her background in Visual Art and English Literature. She has worked with several North American lingerie companies, evening wear designers and private labels. In 2010, she launched “With Love Lingerie,” a lingerie company that marries her love of design from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s with her signature modern femininity. The collection combines sensuous textures and luscious color stories with classic feminine design and a luxury sensibility. Many of the pieces draw inspiration from the graceful aesthetics of decades gone by and are infused with modern elements and details. Many of the pieces in the collection flatter the curves of a range of women from XS-1X. Make an appointment: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/with-love-lingerie/

About the Lingerie Designer Showcase
NYC’s first lingerie trade show dedicated to independent designers, the Lingerie Designer Showcase, has quickly become the premiere destination for lingerie buyers looking to find the most exciting and unique lingerie brands for their stores all in an intimate and relaxed setting.

About The Lingerie JournalThe Lingerie Journal is the number one online lingerie trade publication in the United States reaching hundreds of consumers, buyers, lingerie retail store owners, independent lingerie designers, wholesale manufacturers, influential lingerie bloggers, and other intimate apparel professionals (as well as those in related fields) on a daily basis with lingerie news and lingerie trends. Follow and interact with the Lingerie Journal on Twitter to learn more: @lingeriejournal

I don’t know about you guys… But I’m extremely busy for the next three weeks. The wholesale market is underway… I have dozens of appointments over the next three weeks and my evenings and weekends are booked solid with other lingerie related events and parties! Here’s a quick rundown of the happenings in the biz….

Tonight, Fruit of the Loom is throwing a party to celebrate August Market and to unveil their new FOTL, Inc. showroom on Broadway in NYC. Guests will be treated to cocktails, light fare, music and more.

The Intimate Apparel Council is gathering together for their next event at the Union League Club in NYC on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst of The NPD Group, will present “50 Shades of Intimates” as he discusses trends impacting our industry. The event is free for members of the Intimate Apparel Council (and their employees.) The Intimate Apparel Council is a division of the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

The Lingerie Alliance Launch Party and Lingerie Fashion Show is this Saturday, August 4th! The Intimate Affair will introduce industry leaders, buyers, media and press to the online collaborative community of intimate apparel professionals created by me and my partner, Luis Paredes. The Fashion Show will feature SS13 collections from Affinitas & Parfait as well as the imaginative designs of independent brands Angela Friedman, Clare Bare Eco Intimates, Dirty Dolls Lingerie, Nevaeh Intimates, Ombrato and With Love Lingerie. Buyers and Media/Press are welcome to attend the Intimate Affair or they can register to view the designer collections during Market Week. Affinitas & Parfait will be exhibiting at CurvExpo from August 5th through the 7th while the five emerging, independent labels will be showing their lines at the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase from August 5th through August 8th at the AKA Hotel, Times Square, NYC. The Showcase gives buyers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with designers in a relaxed setting. Buyers looking for innovative, new collections can pre-register for the Designer Showcase at: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/attendee-registration/

The bi-annual Lingerie Trade Shows CURVENY and The Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase kick-off here in NYC on Sunday, August 5th. And then, CURVELV takes place a few weeks later in Las Vegas.

The Best of Intima’s Best Shop Awards will be held in the Penthouse at 230 Fifth Ave on August 5th.

On Monday, August 6th, our very own Ellen Lewis (my mentor and founder of Lingerie Briefs) and none other than the fabulous Lingerie Goddess & Sensuality Stylist Margaret Shrum are primary speakers at an event being held at the CURVENY trade show… The Event called “The Yin and Yang of Lingerie” is presented by LELO and focuses on the margin potential of merchandising pleasure objects in a specialty store setting. With a strong emphasis on a woman’s confidence and mental and physical health, this seminar will demonstrate how LELO takes the business of pleasure from the back room to the bottom line with style and class within specialty shops.

That same night, CURVENY presents The So Curve Fashion Show featuring dancers who have performed with the original Crazy Horse Paris dance ensemble. Participating brands include Affinitas, Fantasie and Freya, Hanky Panky, LOU Paris, Simone Perele and Wacoal among others. Individuals registered to attend CurvExpo in NYC can sign up for various events taking place during CURVENY at: http://www.curvexpo.com/new-york/events-to-attend

On Tuesday, August 7th, the Underfashion Club is hosting “A Paris Report” to be presented by Mayouri Sengchanh of Carlin International. The Intimate Affair will feature a report on the MODE City and Interfiliere Trade Shows as well as highlights of the SS14 Season.

On Wednesday, August 8th, the gals from ILOVEAGOOD are hosting Chantelle’s Fall/Winter 2012 Collection Preview. The Intimate Affair is being held at the brand’s NY Showroom on Madison Ave and will include cocktails, professional bra fittings and gift bags! Oooo La La!

In other news, lingerie and accessories boutique Linger in Spring Lake, NJ is going out of business. You have only a few weeks left to score a few bargains on some fabulous European brands.

Some of you lady bloggers may be interested in attending the 8th Annual BlogHer Conference being held here in NYC August 2nd through the 4th. For more details, go to: http://www.blogher.com/conferences

And, Sanctuary Clothing recently announced a partnership with Los Angeles based lingerie design and manufacturing house, ESP Group, Ltd. to produce and distribute a new intimates collection, Sanctuary Femme. The new line will officially launch at CURVELV in August.

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

It’s a very busy time of year for the Lingerie biz. We’ve hardly recovered from the jetlag resulting from trips to MODE CITY in Paris and other European buying trips earlier this month. And now we’re headed straight into the busiest few weeks of the year.

Speaking of Europe, I’ve had the privilege of seeing a few SS13 Trend Reports over the past few weeks. Most of these reports are proprietary, but I’ve got two words for you—floral and coral! Yes, Tangerine Tango is here to stay….at least for a little while longer. Although, it looks like it will be used more as an accent color than a primary color. And designers are playing with the intensity of the color a bit. In general, the trends are ultra-feminine…. Simply, pretty! The bold, bright floral prints coming in Spring are fabulous….

Next week is the wholesale Market Week here in New York City. Buyers from major retailers come in from around the country to meet with their current vendors and to meet-and-greet with potential new vendors. The focus will be on wrapping up SS13 buys and previewing Back-to-School and Fall 13 assortments. That is followed by the bi-annual Lingerie Trade Shows CURVENY and The Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase here in NYC. And then, CURVELV takes place a few weeks later in Las Vegas. In addition to the Market appointments, buyers and brands are busy attending various other industry related events such as The Best of Intima’s Best Shop Awards on August 5th.

And of course, no one wants to miss The Lingerie Alliance Launch Party and Lingerie Fashion Show on Saturday, August 4th! The Intimate Affair will introduce industry leaders, buyers, media and press to the online collaborative community of intimate apparel professionals created by me and my partner, Luis Paredes. The Fashion Show will feature SS13 collections from Affinitas & Parfait as well as the imaginative designs of independent brands Angela Friedman, Clare Bare Eco Intimates, Dirty Dolls Lingerie, Nevaeh Intimates, Ombrato Lingerie & Sleepwear and With Love Lingerie. Buyers and Media/Press are welcome to attend the Intimate Affair or they can register to view the designer collections during Market Week. Affinitas & Parfait will be exhibiting at CurvExpo from August 5th through the 7th while the six emerging, independent labels will be showing their lines at the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase from August 5th through August 8th at the AKA Hotel, Times Square, NYC. The Showcase gives buyers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with designers in a relaxed setting. Buyers looking for innovative, new collections can pre-register for the Designer Showcase at: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/attendee-registration/

REMINDER- The Intimate Apparel Square Club is having their annual Christmas in July Party at the RUSK Institute on 34th Street and First Ave in NYC this Wednesday, July 25th. Members of the Club and other supporters of IASC and RUSK come together to visit with the children who are suffering from life-altering illnesses or disabilities to spread some “holiday” cheer. The festive Intimate Affair brings joy to the children and warms the hearts of all those who attend. If you are interested in attending this special event or want to learn more about how you can get involved in the IASC, feel free to reach out to me.

The Intimate Apparel Council is gathering together for their next event at the Union League Club in NYC on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst of The NPD Group, will present “50 Shades of Intimates” as he discusses trends impacting our industry. The event is free for members of the Intimate Apparel Council (and their employees.) The Intimate Apparel Council is a division of the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

On Tuesday, August 7th, the Underfashion Club is hosting “A Paris Report” to be presented by Mayouri Sengchanh of Carlin International. The “Intimate Affair” will feature a report on the MODE City and Interfiliere Trade Shows as well as highlights of the SS14 Season.

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

I am so excited about the launch of The Lingerie Alliance! Inspired by the enthusiasm surrounding the Brand Affair Panel Discussion and Lingerie Exhibition we hosted during February market, my partner Luis Paredes, publisher of The Lingerie Journal & founder of The Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase, and I set out to create The Lingerie Alliance, an interactive, online collaborative community of professionals in the intimate apparel industry and related fields. When the site is fully developed, The Lingerie Alliance will be an exclusive, members-only platform utilizing the latest technology to create a collaborative community experience. The site will feature a searchable directory of members (by area of expertise,) as well as interactive LIVE forums and chat sessions with industry experts as well as offline workshops, panel discussions and seminars. In addition, The Lingerie Alliance will host networking socials and other special events throughout the year.

Affinitas Parfait Florence Set SS13

We are hosting an “Intimate Affair” Launch Party and SS13 Lingerie Fashion Show to celebrate our partnership and the site’s launch on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at Griffin lounge and nightclub in Manhattan. The Event is sponsored by leading lingerie lines Affinitas & Parfait and takes place on the eve of the bi-annual Lingerie Market Week in NYC. Celebrity stylist and author of The Bra Book, Jené Luciani, has signed on to emcee the event.

Velda Lauder Corsetiere is offering 20% Off all designs for the month of July! On the website, enter code: VLC Summer Sale 2012.

Velda Lauder Corsetiere

On Thursday, July 19th, Decoded Fashion is hosting “Startup Showcase: Underthings Edition” in NYC. Panelists include the men’s underwear brand Flint and Tinder (considered to be the best fashion pitch in Kickstarter’s history,) the personalized online retailer Adore Me (which I discussed in last week’s column,) Julie Sygiel of Underbrella (and Sexy Period,) and a fourth “Mystery Guest Panelist” to be revealed at the Event. Decoded Fashion is a new, exclusive monthly Meet-Up group with top fashion tech startups, tech leaders, investors and influencers in the Fashion & Retail industries – curated by Lauren Indvik of Mashable and Liz Bacelar, founder of the Decoded Fashion Forum. There are only a few spots left for this particular “Intimate Affair.” Log on to register: http://www.meetup.com/Decoded-Fashion/events/69734172/

Cosabella, which is famous for its use of vibrant, cutting-edge colors, is having a Sample Sale from July 22nd through July 24th at 220 Lafayette Street, NYC. Select items will be available up to 60% Off!

The downtown lingerie boutique, La Petite Coquette, is hosting “Fifty Shades of Kink” on Thursday, July 26th. The “Intimate Affair” will feature an interactive workshop presented by top kink experts, Domi Dollz. They will be touching on the many levels of kink and how it can be used to enhance your love life & your sex life! The event is limited to 25 guests so be sure to RSVP soon.

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

Founded by intimate apparel professionals Moira Nelson and Luis Paredes, The Lingerie Alliance is an interactive, online collaborative community of professionals in the intimate apparel industry and related fields. When the site is fully developed, The Lingerie Alliance will be an exclusive, members-only platform utilizing the latest technology to create a collaborative community experience. The site will feature a searchable directory of members (by area of expertise,) as well as interactive LIVE forums and chat sessions with industry experts as well as offline workshops, panel discussions and seminars.

In addition, The Lingerie Alliance will host networking socials and other special events throughout the year (Intimate Affairs.) “The goal is to have all functionality fully live by Spring 2013,” says co-founder Luis Paredes. All of the site’s features will be rolled out throughout the coming months. In the meantime, Moira Nelson and Luis Paredes are hosting an “Intimate Affair” Launch Party and SS13 Lingerie Fashion Show to celebrate their partnership and the site’s launch on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at the Griffin lounge and nightclub in the trendy meatpacking district in Manhattan.

The Event is sponsored by the stylish yet affordable lingerie brands Affinitas & Parfait and takes place on the eve of the bi-annual Lingerie Market Week in NYC which draws designers, brands, retailers, buyers, media and press from around the World.

Keng Zhang, President of Affinitas commented on the partnership saying, “We are honored to support The Lingerie Alliance at their launch event and as an Alliance Leader. TLA’s goals of inspiring, innovating and empowering the lingerie industry are right in league with our own as a lingerie brand, and we couldn’t have found a better fit.”

The Griffin is the perfect venue for this event which is intended to promote a festive spirit. Designed by Marc Dizon of the boutique collective Lewis & Dizon, the Griffin is an intimate jewel box filled with fringe-lined velvet banquets, gilded tables, rose-antique mirrors, and reclaimed herringbone floors. Filigree detailing accentuates the space, and a glittering centerpiece of crystal chandeliers hanging overhead sets the cinematic mood for the room. The lingerie featured at this event will really radiate against this opulent backdrop.

Moira Nelson, co-founder of The Lingerie Alliance stated, “Collaboration is the essence of The Lingerie Alliance. Our mission is to unite lingerie professionals from all aspects of the industry to elevate the industry as a whole. We envision a diverse network of members including Retailers, Buyers, Brands, Retail Store Owners, Independent Lingerie Designers, Wholesale Manufacturers, Press/Media, Suppliers and so on. If you do business in the intimate apparel industry, you are welcome to join the Alliance!”

Buyers and Media/Press are welcome to attend the “Intimate Affair” or they can register to view the designer collections during Market Week. Affinitas & Parfait will be exhibiting at CurvExpo from August 5th through the 7th while the five emerging, independent labels will be showing their lines at the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase from August 5th through August 8th at the AKA Hotel, Times Square, NYC. The Showcase gives buyers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with designers in a relaxed setting. Buyers looking for innovative, new collections can pre-register for the Designer Showcase at: http://lingeriedesignershowcase.com/attendee-registration/

Collaborate – Educate – Inspire – Empower – Innovate – Achieve

About The Lingerie Alliance:

Founded by Moira Nelson and Luis Paredes, The Lingerie Alliance is an interactive, online collaborative community of professionals in the intimate apparel industry and related fields. The mission of The Lingerie Alliance is to unite lingerie professionals from all aspects of the industry to elevate the industry as a whole- Retailers, Buyers, Brands, Retail Store Owners, Ecom Retailers, Independent Lingerie Designers, Wholesale Manufacturers, Influential Lingerie Bloggers, Press/Media, Publicists, Marketing Professionals, Suppliers, and Service Providers.

About Affinitas & Parfait:

Sexy or sweet? Take your pick with Affinitas’ wide selection of stylish yet affordable bras, panties, 3-pack packaged panties, camisoles, babydolls, chemises, and bustiers, ranging from basic, everyday styles to on-trend and special occasion pieces. Bras and bustiers span a size range of 30-38 A-DD, with all other items sized XS-XL. Complementary line Parfait additionally caters to the full-bust market with bras sized 30D – 40G (and bottoms sized XS-2X). Meaning no matter your size, Affinitas has the right lingerie for you. Whether you’re feeling flirty, glamourous and feminine, or want to channel your inner vixen, Affinitas has a look to match your mood. Made of fine, soft materials sourced from all over the world, Affinitas ensures you can wear any piece from the line – be it all day…or just for a few minutes! The Affinitas woman is fashion-forward and discerning, wishing for stylish, comfortable, quality lingerie – at prices that won’t break the bank. Constantly expanding to meet your needs, wants, and desires, Affinitas’ mission is to have you covered (well, mostly) for every occasion.

Moira Nelson, lingerie industry professional and founder of the intimate apparel resource site Bra La Mode, and Luis Paredes, publisher of The Lingerie Journal and founder of the Lingerie Designer Showcase, share a passion for uniting independent lingerie designers, brands and businesses with larger scale intimate apparel companies, organizations and professionals. Their mission is to connect lingerie professionals from all aspects of the industry to collaborate, educate, inspire, empower, innovate and achieve. Ultimately, their goal is to elevate the intimate apparel industry as a whole through collaboration.

“I Love Paris in the Summer when it Sizzles…” I can’t think of a more appropriate song lyric to sum up the essence of the annual Salon International du Swimwear and de la Lingerie and Interfiliere held in Paris each July. The famous trade shows which feature the latest lingerie and swimwear designs from brands around the world as well raw materials such as fabric, embroidery, lace and trims, are wrapping up as we speak…. Although I didn’t attend this year, I can assure you that these shows are “sizzling.” I look forward to reading (and seeing) the trend reports from my colleagues in the coming weeks. These shows (which take place concurrently) inspire intimate apparel professionals to do what they do…. To bring you the latest and greatest lingerie and swimwear designs conceivable!

A few Intimate Insights for the week….

There seems to be a new trend in Intimate Apparel Retailing…. I recently introduced you to the ecom site, True & Co. True & Co. claims to solve our bra fit problems with a proprietary online fit process (sans measuring tape.) Unfortunately, when I filled out their “simple quiz,” the results revealed that they had no matches for me. Since then, I’ve discovered two more websites offering intimate apparel in a members-only environment. Both sites create a customized showroom for members based on your preferences (another “simple quiz.”) Each site varies slightly. But the overall concept seems to be the same.

Social commerce company BeachMint launched their latest site, intiMINT, on May 30th. They partnered with Dancing with the Stars host, Brooke Burke-Charvet to create the brand. Available exclusively at intimint.com, the collection includes intimate apparel, loungewear, and sleepwear.

Brooke Burke-Charvet

intiMINT’s launch collection ranges in price from twenty dollars for two pairs of panties to eighty dollars for more substantial pieces. intiMINT’s monthly membership (twenty dollars) is applied as a credit towards any purchase and is only charged when a member makes her first purchase. As with BeachMint’s other brands, members receive personalized selections each month matched to their Style Profile with the option to choose items they love or skip the month for no charge. Members also receive exclusive behind the scenes content and how-to styling tips.

The website AdoreMe.com claims to be the world’s first online lingerie personalized club providing the convenience and luxury of a personal shopping experience. Upon entering the website, Adore Me members fill out a free lingerie consultation (AKA the “simple quiz”) indicating preferences in color, size, shape, and fit. Additionally, fun questions such as, “Which Gossip Girl style best fits you?” provides additional insight into each member’s individual tastes. Based on this style profile, a private showroom is handpicked. Then, members receive one-on-one attention from lingerie experts who create a new showroom for them each month. Monthly membership is just $39.95 and includes one set, free shipping and free exchange! Adore Me offers bras, panties, boy shorts, bathing suits, stockings, leggings, chemises, baby doll, and more!

How do you feel about this type of online retailing? Do you trust a computer quiz to “match” you with your perfect bra even if an intimate apparel expert had a hand in selecting it for you? Heck… If we can trust a “simple quiz” on Match.com or eHarmony to match us with our perfect mate, why not bras? But I’m beginning to think it’s easier to find the perfect life partner than it is to find the perfect bra! Thoughts?

Another designer has been added to the line-up of the next edition of the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase. I’m excited to report that Angela Friedman will be showing her Versailles Collection alongside independent brands With Love Lingerie, Nevaeh Intimates, Dirty Dolls Lingerie and Clare Bare Eco-Friendly Intimate Apparel. This season’s show runs from Sunday, August 5th through August 8th at the AKA Hotel on West 44th Street, NYC. The Lingerie Designer Showcase had an incredibly successful show last February with several independent designers showing their lines and a sold out Brand Affair Seminar and Lingerie Exhibition that drew in close to 200 guests including buyers, lingerie retail store owners, independent lingerie designers, wholesale manufacturers, influential lingerie bloggers, and other intimate apparel professionals. Buyers are welcome to pre-register here: www.LingerieDesignerShowcase.com/attendee-registration/

OK….. I may have lied (not intentionally, of course.) Web development is running a few days behind schedule (to be expected.) Soooo…. We’re not quite ready for our big announcement. But I promise it will happen this week. Follow Bra La Mode & The Lingerie Journal (I’m thinking Wednesday or Thursday latest) to hear about my latest endeavor with Luis Paredes, publisher of The Lingerie Journal. I’m really excited about this project and can’t wait to share it with the entire lingerie community. It will align all facets of our industry in very unique ways.

Buyers are welcome to register for the upcoming CurvExpo at www.CurvExpo.com. The Designer Lingerie and Swim Show is being held in NYC from August 5th through August 7th and in Las Vegas from August 21st through the 23rd.

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

“Hot town, summer in the city…..Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.” Happy 4th of July. I have fabulous memories of watching the fireworks over the Navesink River in my hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey as a kid. But it’s the food that really sticks in my mind…. There’s nothing better than my Mom’s homemade Potato Salad alongside a few slices of tender London Broil and corn on the cob. I wish you all a safe holiday with friends and family. Create some great memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Here are a few Intimate Insights for this holiday week….

Congrats to my friend Ann Deal at Fashion Forms! I’m excited to hear that you’re opening an East Coast Showroom at 183 Madison. The showroom will be built out just in time for the Wholesale Market Week- July 30th through August 3rd. We’ll be neighbors! Best Wishes!

Jockey is launching an Intimate Apparel collection endorsed by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. The collection will be available in Jockey stores and on Jockey.com this month and will be rolled out in major retailers starting October. I’m anxious to see the line!

Mode City PARIS starts this coming weekend. If you haven’t already done so, register online for your badge at www.mode-city.com. The famous Salon International du Swimwear and de la Lingerie and Interfiliere are being held from July 7th through July 9th at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 1.

The Intimate Apparel Square Club is having their annual Christmas in July Party at the RUSK Institute on 34th Street and First Ave in NYC on Wednesday, July 25th. Members of the Club and other supporters of IASC and RUSK come together to visit with the children who are suffering from life-altering illnesses or disabilities to spread some “holiday” cheer. The festive Intimate Affair brings joy to the children and warms the hearts of all those who attend. If you are interested in attending this special event or want to learn more about how you can get involved in the IASC, feel free to reach out to me. We are always looking for enthusiastic people to join our “small but mighty” Club.

The next edition of the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase is just a month away. They had an incredibly successful show this past February with several independent designers showing their lines and a sold out Brand Affair Seminar and Lingerie Exhibition that drew in close to 200 guests including buyers, lingerie retail store owners, independent lingerie designers, wholesale manufacturers, influential lingerie bloggers, and other intimate apparel professionals. This season’s show runs from Sunday, August 5th through August 8th at the AKA Hotel on West 44th Street, NYC and includes With Love Lingerie, Nevaeh Intimates, Dirty Dolls Lingerie and Clare Bare Eco-Friendly Intimate Apparel. Buyers are welcome to pre-register here: www.LingerieDesignerShowcase.com/attendee-registration/

With Love Lingerie

SAVE THE DATE! Luis Paredes, publisher of The Lingerie Journal, and I have partnered together to create something truly unique…. We will be officially announcing our latest endeavor on Monday July 9th and will be celebrating our partnership with a Launch Party and Lingerie Fashion Exhibition on Saturday, August 4th. Space will be limited. But we will do our best to accommodate everyone that wants to be a part of this special Intimate Affair. If you would like to be added to our Invite List, please email me at BraLaMode@gmail.com and put “AUG 4th” in the subject line. I’m really excited about this project and can’t wait to share it with the entire lingerie community. It will align all facets of our industry in very unique ways. Stay tuned for the official announcement!

Buyers are welcome to register for the upcoming CurvExpo at www.CurvExpo.com. The Designer Lingerie and Swim Show is being held in NYC from August 5th through August 7th and in Las Vegas from August 21st through the 23rd.

The Best of Intima’s Best Shop Awards Event will be held in NYC on Sunday, August 5th. Last year, my friend Angie Courtney from the Sweetest Sin Boutique in my hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey won the Best of Intima’s Editor’s Choice Award for Best Shop in the United States and Canada. Let’s see who receives the honors this year!

Who’s excited that Nordstrom is coming to the Big Apple? Nordstrom has excellent customer service (and actual bra fitters) in their Intimates Dept, so I’m excited about the news. I’m grateful to Nordstrom for introducing me to one of my all-time favorite bras- the Freya Deco Plunge! Of course, they’re projecting the store won’t open until year 2018. Hmmmm…. I wonder what bras will look like in 2018? Interesting thought, huh?

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!